Sound Waves and Vibrations (Part 2)

What You'll Learn

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. Transverse waves (like light) vibrate perpendicular to the direction of travel. Longitudinal waves (like sound) vibrate parallel.

Key Words

observation
experiment

Materials Needed

aluminum foil
ruler
markers
popsicle sticks
pennies
plastic wrap

Safety First

Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 — Do

Build a working anemometer using paper cups and straws. Calibrate it by counting rotations in a known wind speed.

Step 3 — Observe

Note any unexpected results and think about why they happened.

Step 4 — Record

Share your findings with the class or a partner and discuss what you learned.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?